Admit it. The movie ‘Borat’ was the first time you ever heard of Kazakhstan. Watch this short documentary about a group of skateboarders who travel through Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and China.
Let’s face it; there are not many people fighting for airline seats and time off from work in order to get some R & R in Uzbekistan. And the countries that comprise Central Asia (especially Afghanistan) aren’t exactly budgeting tax revenue to boost tourism. Which is why skateboarders Dave Bachinsky, Jimmy McDonald, Laurence Keefe, Dan Zvereff, Stas Provotorov, Gosha Konyshev, Walker Ryan, Kenny Reed and Michael Mackrodt have some rather large travel cojones.
In their documentary ‘Meet the Stans’, filmed and directed by Patrik Wallner, this group of brave skateboarders take us down the decidedly unbeaten path known as the Silk Road to the countries of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. They share their difficulties, triumphs and even get to show off their skill for an Afghan governor.
Certified nomadik dopeness. Watch.
Visualtraveling – Meet The Stans
Is Central Asia on your travel-to-do list? Tell us why or why not in the comments.


3 comments
Neil Skywalker says:
Nov 12, 2012
Nope, I never use guides unless it’s mandatory. I was still a backpacking newbie when I went into Kazakhstan. I had been two weeks in Europe on my own and two weeks in Russia before taking the train into Kazakhstan.
I had learned some Russian out of a pocket translation book and by the two Russian girls I had already “met” while in Russia.
I would say it’s almost a necessaty to known at least some survival Russian before heading there. Especially when buying basic things like food and train tickets.
I still have some 125 dollars worth of Kazahkstan Tenge, the local currency. I guess I have to go back there once more.
Neil Skywalker says:
Nov 11, 2012
I’ve been to Kazakhstan on my own in 2009. Stayed there for about 15 days and had a blast. The people are genuinely friendly and helpful and love to see travelers.
Diolis B says:
Nov 12, 2012
Did you have a local guide?